St. James is a church community comprised of diverse members who worship and gather regularly in our historic buildings in downtown Portland, OR. But life isn’t just happening around St. James. In the past 100 years our humble corner of downtown Portland has seen much change,...

Lutherans in the United States had their organizational origins predominantly in the national churches of Northern Europe and Scandinavia. Many congregations retained in liturgy and fellowship the languages and social patterns of their ethnic background well into the twentieth...

To see photos of the many architectural details of St. James, click here.
Australian-born Portland architect Phillip Chappell Browne designed the first permanent chapel, sanctuary, and parsonage for St. James Lutheran Church on the present site in 1891. Browne specialized in...

St. James is located in Portland’s Cultural District facing the South Park Blocks, an area of rich architectural heritage and the city’s cultural heart. St. James has been an integral part of this community for over 100 years. This area of downtown Portland is filled with...

Worship is the central gathering point for life and work at St. James. As we gather we recall the classic elements of Christian gathering since the earliest times of the Church:
● Confession and Absolution ● Praise ● Reading of Sacred Texts from Hebrew and Christian...

St. James has a number of opportunities to get involved both inside and outside our building’s walls. There are several groups that meet regularly, such as Book Club and Visual Artists. We are also committed to serving those in need by providing many ministries to the...

Sundays Year-Round, 11:00am-12:00pm
Open Space takes place most Sunday mornings in the Pioneer Chapel of St. James Lutheran Church. All are invited to attend and listen, participate, learn, grow, and share as we develop a stronger sense of our individual faith and also who we...

As people of faith our lives are full of opportunities for celebration! From small intimate gatherings with a few close friends to large festive holidays that our community commemorates with the wider church, St. James is a wonderful place to participate in or plan a special...

"We share God's inclusive and eternal love with everyone!"

Welcome

Welcome to the website for St. James Lutheran Church, a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. St. James has served downtown Portland, the city and the larger region for more than 120 years. Its sandstone walls and stained glass windows have sheltered and given light to the sacramental events of individual lives: baptisms, confirmations, weddings, anniversaries, and funerals.

Jazz Vespers

Lenten Season brings Wednesday evening soup suppers and worship services, as we make pilgrimage and enjoy fellowship among the downtown churches — and our pastors exchange pulpits. Soup supper at 6:15PM; worship at 7:00PM. “The Promise of the Living Christ” | February 25 at First Baptist with Amber Nettleton of First Presbyterian “Christ’s […]

Prayer Request

Upcoming Events

The St. James Nursing Clinic serves the community by providing care for those with foot/nail disorders and those unable to care for their feet properly. Foot-related issues are common for many, especially seniors and those[...]

A thirty-minute liturgy of Holy Communion takes place in the intimate setting of the Pioneer Chapel. This service provides an opportunity for communal prayer, a brief sermon and reflection. Scriptures may be used from the[...]

Sunday Morning Worship with Holy Communion Every Sunday, 9:30am Holy Communion is celebrated at each Sunday liturgy. Refreshments and community time follow the worship service. Childcare available from 9:15AM-12:15PM.

Sundays Year-Round, 11:00am-12:00pm Open Space takes place most Sunday mornings in the Pioneer Chapel of St. James Lutheran Church. All are invited to attend and listen, participate, learn, grow, and share as we develop a[...]

St. James Lutheran Church

As a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, St. James welcomes people of all races, cultures, ethnicities and, as a Reconciling in Christ congregation, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.